Liquid Fuel Nuclear Reactor Self-Fueling via Transmutation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current nuclear fission reactors face challenges in efficiently replenishing fissile nuclear fission fuel material due to its consumption during fissioning, as existing methods do not effectively utilize the transmutation of fertile nuclear fission fuel into fissile fuel within the reactor system.
Innovation Solution
A nuclear fission reactor design that employs a neutronically translucent liquid carrier material to dissolve fissile nuclear fission fuel, where undissolved fertile fuel is transmuted into fissile fuel, diffusing it into the solution to replenish consumed fissile fuel, utilizing a reactor vessel with a fission region and a fertile blanket region for enhanced fuel transmutation and heat exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If fissile fuel is continuously consumed during fissioning, then reactor operation is sustained, but fuel depletion occurs and reactor sustainability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent recovers fissile fuel by transmuting fertile material (U-238) into fissile material (Pu-239) within the reactor system. The liquid metal carrier enables continuous extraction and processing of transmuted fissile fuel, converting what would be waste into valuable fuel resources, thereby extending reactor operation duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The reactor system performs self-fueling through in-situ transmutation of fertile material to fissile material. The liquid metal carrier automatically facilitates the diffusion and transport of transmuted fissile atoms from the solid fuel matrix into the liquid carrier, creating a self-sustaining fuel cycle without external intervention.
2Productivity
If solid fuel elements are used, then fuel structure is stable, but fuel transmutation efficiency is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a liquid metal carrier (hydraulic component) to transport fissile atoms produced by transmutation. The liquid flow mechanism continuously carries transmuted Pu-239 atoms from the solid fuel region through the liquid metal medium, dramatically increasing transmutation efficiency compared to static solid fuel systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines solid fuel elements (for structural stability and controlled transmutation) with liquid metal carrier (for efficient fuel transport and extraction). This composite approach allows the solid fuel matrix to maintain structural integrity while the liquid carrier maximizes fuel utilization and transmutation productivity.
3Power
If fissile fuel concentration is increased, then fission rate increases, but fuel material consumption accelerates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts fissile fuel concentration by controlling the flow rate and composition of the liquid metal carrier. As transmutation produces new fissile atoms, the liquid carrier continuously extracts and transports them, maintaining optimal fuel concentration for sustained high-power operation without accelerating net consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid metal carrier enables continuous extraction and transport of fissile fuel atoms from the transmutation zone. This continuous action ensures that fission rate can be maintained at high levels while simultaneously replenishing consumed fuel, creating a balanced system where power generation and fuel regeneration occur simultaneously.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach ensures continuous replenishment of fissile fuel, maintaining reactor sustainability and efficiency by leveraging the solubility and transmutation properties of materials like Mg and Pu, enhancing fuel utilization and reactor performance.
Implementation Method 1
a solution of the fissile nuclear fission fuel material dissolved in neutronically translucent liquid carrier material is received in the reactor vessel
Implementation Method 2
The transmuted fissile nuclear fission fuel material is diffused to the solution
Implementation Method 3
Undissolved fertile nuclear fission fuel material is disposed in contact with the solution. The fertile nuclear fission fuel material is transmutable into the fissile nuclear fission fuel material
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed embodiments include nuclear fission reactors, nuclear fission fuel pins, methods of operating a nuclear fission reactor, methods of fueling a nuclear fission reactor, and methods of fabricating a nuclear fission fuel pin.